The present study adds to the current literature by demonstrating that the antenatal administration of the synthetic GC dexamethasone suppresses production of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-β, and TNF-α, promotes intestinal TJ formation and prevents excessive destruction of TJ structures on the mucosal surface, leading to protection against intestinal injury in experimental NEC in neonatal rats. Here, TNF is linked to necrotizing enterocolitis.